Right-to-Work Pressure: Legal Group Urges JBS Strikers in Colorado to Resign from Union, Cross Picket Line

As the strike at a JBS facility in Colorado continues, the National Right to Work Foundation is encouraging some employees to consider returning to work. The group says not all workers on strike may want to participate and urges those who choose to cross the picket line to resign from their union memberships.

GREELEY, Colo. (RFD NEWS) — New developments are emerging in the ongoing strike at the JBS USA packing plant in Greeley, Colorado. Nearly 4,000 workers remain on the picket line this morning after walking off the job earlier this week.

As the strike continues, the National Right to Work Foundation is encouraging some employees to consider returning to work. The organization claims not everyone on strike actually wants to be there and is urging those members to resign from the union, cross the picket line, and return to their posts.

This week, the organization filed a special legal notice and is offering sample resignation letters to assist workers. In a statement, the group says, “JBS workers should know they have the right to resign their union memberships and return to work, regardless of what union officials say.”

Despite the disruption, at least one market analyst says the strike has had a limited impact on cattle markets so far.

“I think in the beef market, especially live cattle futures, shrugged off that JBS news pretty significantly,” said trader Bob Mauer. “When the market takes bad news and reacts bullishly, that’s saying something.”

Negotiations between JBS and union leaders are ongoing, though neither side has indicated a clear path forward at this time.

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Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

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One trader said the products entering the U.S. are primarily grind and trim, noting that the volume and type of beef, on its own, should not cause a major disruption. However, he says fund traders are reacting heavily to headlines rather than market realities.